Park Avenue    The street that became the backbone of Winter Park At the inception of our town, founding fathers Loring Chase and Oliver Chapman envisioned and planned for the construction of buildings along what came to be called the business section of Winter Park . . . Park Avenue. When Chase and Chapman came upon this area in 1881, they noted a vast property that was encircled by four sparkling lakes: Maitland and Virginia, Killarney and Osceola . . . and they immediately saw it's potential. So they paid Samuel Robinson $50 for the surveying, platting and mapping of the 600 acres they had purchased. When they received their first deed to the property on July 4th, they began designing the town they envisioned, and subdivided it into lots. On August 29th, 1881, they named the town Winter Park. They laid it out so that special sites for a hotel, churches, schools and parks were allocated . . . as well as a 10-acre parcel of land in the middle of the property that was dedicated for use as a city park. No streets existed at that time, as the town was simply wooded land, through which ran trails. The four lakes were to be connected by two main thoroughfares, "The Boulevard" (later named Morse Boulevard) and Interlachen Avenue. These roads were created by cutting down pine trees . . . wide enough apart for teams of animals to turn. Their next step was to encourage the erection of buildings. In 1882, the first buildings were constructed. First was a depot, followed by a hotel, the Rogers House. The first "cottage" was erected in 1882 as well. Oliver Chapman and his family would reside there. The first business erected was a 30' x 65' store building which was rented to businessmen John Ergood and Robert White. It was located on what is now Park Avenue. The second floor of that building served many purposes over time: meeting space for the town hall events, church services, and school classes. A wagon factory and a cabinet shop soon followed. By 1885, there were: an ice house, a saw mill, hardware store, grocery, drug store, bakery, a livery and blacksmith, and a fish and meat market. Thus began the growth of a business section in Winter Park . . . and the saga of Park Avenue began. Obviously, it has changed and grown over the years . . . and it continues to change and evolve.   One thing that has not changed, however, is that Park Avenue is still considered the heart of the city. Here are some selections from our historical photograph collection that depict Park Avenue through the years . . .   1884 map of Winter Park Source: The Winter Park Floridian (A sales brochure promoting the new town) Date: January 1, 1885 The Henkel block Built in 1886, it was located on the corner of Park Avenue and New England Avenue. c. 1890 A big event occurring on Park Avenue C. 1885 Another old-time event taking place on Park Avenue . . . the place to be! Early 20th century The Ergood block Located on the northeast corner of Park Avenue and "the Boulevard", the Ergood store was the second building erected in the new town. c. 1890 Looking southward down Park Avenue c. 1900 Shepherd's store c. 1900 At the corner of Park Avenue & Morse Boulevard c. 1900 The Henkel block c. 1905 The Henkel Block c. 1930 The parking situation on Park Avenue . . . c. 1925 The Hamilton Hotel (Located on the southwest corner of Park Avenue and New England Avenue.) c.1920 Looking across the park onto Park Avenue c. 1914 Postal staff standing in front of the Post Office building. c. 1914 View of Park Avenue South - the 100 block, photo taken from Central Park. c. 1930 Baby Grand Theater c. 1938 Military Parade . . . event uncertain c. 1930 Man with horse and cart . . .stopping in at Bumby Hardware. c. 1930 The first City Hall building. Through the years, this school was known by two different names: Park Avenue Elementary School / Winter Park Elementary School The building served as an elementary school from 1916 through 1967. In 1967 it ceased being an elementary school after the final 6th grade "graduating class" completed their school year. It was later purchased by Rollins College and was used for a few different purposes over the time period that they owned it. The school was located at Park Avenue (South) and Lyman. It was demolished in 1989. Park Avenue (South - 300 block) c. 1991 The Village Courtesy Tram . . . transporting visitors up and down the Avenue! c. 1985 Colony Theater (It served as a movie theater from 1940 through 1975) c. 1990 The Park Plaza Hotel c. 1990